TIME TO DELIVER
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
TIME TO DELIVER In two seasons under head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, the UCF track and field program has already proven it is on the rise. The numbers prove just that - 30 school records broken, four NCAA All-Americans, six Conference USA event champions, 10 NCAA Outdoor regional participants and the highest finishes in both the C-USA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Even more than the numbers and records, the attitude around the program signals that Smith Gilbert has the Knights on the verge of greatness. While the third-year coach praises her student-athletes for the recent accomplishments, she also makes it clear that UCF is destined for more. UCF has made great strides in C-USA and a splash on the national scene, but Smith Gilbert is striving for championships and a consistent presence as one of the nation’s elite programs. For UCF, the time is now to deliver on those goals.
2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD TIME TO DELIVER
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UCF KNIGHTS
SENIORS
N E M H S E R F
THIS IS UCF TRACK & FIELD NAME Santrell Atkins Taylor Bartolotta Dan’Elle Bellamy Ashley Bolling Champelle Brown Sheree Carter Ocean Cohen Jackie Coward Carley Dart April Downey Jessica Francis Alyssa Franks Aisha-Maree Frazier Mason Gardberg Jacquelyn Gilchrist Tiki James Jaclyn Johnson Ashley Kirkpatrick Lynne Layne Amanda Leland Brittany McCord Sheila Paul Eva Pierce Jackie Potter Jamie Rzepecki Samantha Shields Kathia Skinner Katrina Skinner Tomika Story LaKendra Thames Erica Weitz Sonnisha Williams Micaela Wimberly
EVENT(S) Sprints/Hurdles Throws Sprints Sprints/Hurdles Sprints Multi’s Distance Sprints/Hurdles Middle Distance/Distance Throws Throws Distance Sprints/Hurdles/MD Distance Jumps Hurdles/Sprints Middle Distance Throws Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles Sprints Sprints Sprints Middle Distance Pole Vault Distance Multi’s Middle Distance/Distance Middle Distance/Distance Sprints/Jumps Throws Distance Sprints/Jumps Hurdles/Sprints
CLASS HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Fr. Miramar, Fla. (Everglades HS) Fr. Middletown, Conn. (Middletown HS) Jr. Sanford, Fla. (Winter Springs HS) So. Jacksonville, Fla. (Samuel W. Wolfson HS) Jr. Oakland, Calif. (Laney CC/Fairfield HS) Sr. Tallahassee, Fla. (Godby HS) Jr. Sarasota, Fla. (Riverview HS) So. Knoxville, Tenn. (West HS) Jr. Whitby, Ontario, Canada (Father Leo J. Austin HS) So. Melbourne, Fla. (Melbourne Central Catholic HS) Sr. Orlando, Fla. (Boone HS) Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Wharton HS) So. Marietta, Ga. (Marietta HS) Fr. Englewood, Fla. (Lemon Bay HS) So. Tallahassee, Fla. (Paxon School) Sr. Miami, Fla. (Miami/Miami Northwestern HS) Jr. Valrico, Fla. (Bloomingdale HS) Sr. Longwood, Fla. (Lake Mary HS) Jr. New Rochelle, N.Y. (Tennessee) Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Chamberlain HS) Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS) So. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (Boyd H. Anderson HS) Fr. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (Boyd H. Anderson HS) Jr. Palm Bay, Fla. (Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy) Sr. East Aurora, N.Y. (East Aurora HS) Jr. Orlando, Fla. (Trinity Prep) So. Tampa, Fla. (Wharton HS) So. Tampa, Fla. (Wharton HS) So. Jacksonville, Fla. (Florida A&M) Sr. Winter Garden, Fla. (West Orange HS) Sr. Morganville, N.J. (Marlboro HS) Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Raines HS) Jr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS)
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
KNIGHTS BY...
Class Freshmen.............................8 Sophomores.........................9 Juniors..................................9 Seniors.................................7 State/Province California..............................1 Connecticut..........................1 Florida................................25 Georgia.................................1 New Jersey...........................1 New York..............................2 Canada.................................1 Tennessee............................1 Event Sprints................................14 Hurdles.................................6 Jumps...................................4 Multi......................................2 Mid-Distance........................6 Distance...............................7 Throws..................................5 Pole Vault.............................1
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
JUNIORS
S E R O M O SOPH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK FACTS
This is UCF Track & Field Program Intro................................................................................................1 2010 Roster...................................................................................................2 Quick Facts/Table of Contents......................................................................3 UCF Track & Field Complex.......................................................................4-5 2010 Season Outlook.................................................................................6-7 Head Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert................................................................8-9 Assistant Coach Tyangela Sanders.............................................................10 Assistant Coach Jeff Chakouian.................................................................. 11 Support Staff...........................................................................................11-12 Meet the Knights Athletes..................................................................................................13-27 History.........................................................................................................28 All-Americans/Conference USA History......................................................29 Record Book...........................................................................................30-31 Review.........................................................................................................32 Season in Review........................................................................................33 2009 Top Indoor Times/Marks.....................................................................34 2009 Top Outdoor Times/Marks..................................................................35 UCF Information This is UCF.............................................................................................36-37 Campus Life................................................................................................38 Towers at Knights Plaza..............................................................................39 President Dr. John C. Hitt............................................................................40 Director of Athletics Keith R. Tribble............................................................41 Academic Excellence..................................................................................42 Excellence Off the Track..............................................................................43 Athletics Facilities........................................................................................44 Strength & Conditioning/Sports Medicine....................................................45 Welcome to Orlando....................................................................................46 Orlando Sporting Options............................................................................47 Conference USA..........................................................................................48
UCF Information Location..........................................................................Orlando, Fla. 32816 Founded................................................................................................ 1963 Enrollment.......................................................................................... 53,537 Nickname.......................................................................................... Knights Colors........................................................................................Black & Gold Home Facility.....................................................UCF Track & Field Complex Conference..........................................................................Conference USA President...............................................................................Dr. John C. Hitt Director of Athletics...............................................................Keith R. Tribble Senior Associate AD/SWA..........................................................Jessica Reo Faculty Representative...............................................Dr. Conseulo Stebbins Athletics Main Phone............................................................. (407) 823-4114 Team Information Head Coach (Alma Mater)........................ Caryl Smith Gilbert (UCLA, 1991) Asst. Coach (Alma Mater)................. Tyangela Sanders (Tennessee, 2003) Asst. Coach (Alma Mater)......................... Jeff Chakouian (Kentucky, 2005) Track Office Phone................................................................(407) 823-0096 Support Staff Communications Contact........................................................Andrew Gavin Office Phone..........................................................................(407) 823-2464 Cell Phone.............................................................................(407) 405-5821 E-mail.................................................................... [email protected] Athletic Trainer........................................................................... Ed Woodley CREDITS: The 2010 track and field yearbook was written and edited by Andrew Gavin and Sarah Tarasewicz. Editorial assistance by Joe Hornstein, Leigh Torbin, Doug Richards and Brian Ormiston. Cover designs by Andrew Gavin. Photography courtesy of Sideline Sports and Casey Brooke Lawson. Orlando photographs provided by the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center and Visitors’ Bureau. Printed by DME, located in Daytona Beach, Fla.
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UCF TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX HOME OF THE 2010 CONFERENCE USA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS MAY 13-16, 2010
UCF TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX Built in 1991, the UCF Track & Field Complex serves as the home to all home track and field meets as well as men’s and women’s soccer games. The Knights also use the facility as the site of all of their practices. The complex features an eight-lane, 400-meter track that was resurfaced during the summer of 2004. The facility includes throwing areas for the hammer, discus and shot put, as well as recently improved long and triple jump pits. The complex features bleacher seating with a capacity for 500 fans and numerous other spectator areas. In 2006, the bleachers were upgraded to feature more comfortable chairback seating. The facility plays host to an evening meet, the UCF Twilight, and beginning in 2009 the Black & Gold Challenge and the UCF Invitational were held at the complex. In 2010, the facility and UCF’s pristine campus will serve as the backdrop to the Conference USA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Plans for renovation are in place for the complex and are set to get underway in the summer of 2010. The renderings at right display plans to include a new section of bleachers which will provide expanded seating, a press box and a building to house concessions and restroom facilities. The UCF Track & Field Complex is nestled between the 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium and the 10,000-seat UCF Arena, which both opened in 2007 and house the Knights’ football and basketball programs, respectively. The Towers at Knights Plaza give student-athletes the opportunity for apartment-style living adjacent to their playing field as well as providing 100,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants. 4
2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
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TIME TO DELIVER
UCF KNIGHTS
AWARD-WINNING RETURNERS, ACCLAIMED NEWCOMERS KNOW TIME IS NOW TO DELIVER In her first two seasons at the helm of the UCF track and field program, head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert has left no doubt that she plans to run a program built to compete for championships, not only in Conference USA but also on a national level. If you look at the laundry list of accomplishments, records and awards by her athletes, her team and even by Smith Gilbert herself, it is clear the program is on its way to being just that - a champion. “The program has made tremendous strides,” said Smith Gilbert. “We are a very well-rounded program coming into this year with people that have the potential to produce in all event areas. Overall, academically and athletically, I feel that we are becoming complete.” In 2009, the Knights had three NCAA Indoor All-Americans and finished third in the C-USA Indoor Championships. They followed that up with a remarkable outdoor season, culminating in sending five athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. In between, UCF broke 14 outdoor school records, finished ninth at the NCAA East Regionals and claimed a programbest second place at the C-USA Outdoor Championships. All of that success in only Smith Gil-
Senior LaKendra Thames advanced to the NCAA Regionals in 2009.
Head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, the 2009 South Region Coach of the Year, watched as longtime Knight Dione Thomas both figuratively and literally passed the baton to talented freshmen like Sheila Paul last season. Now a sophomore, Paul will look to improve on a freshman campaign which saw her claim a C-USA individual event title and break three school records.
bert’s second year as head coach was recognized, and Smith Gilbert was as well when she was named the 2009 South Region Coach of the Year. She is not surprised by the team’s accomplishments and is proud of the program’s progress, but says that they are looking to deliver bigger and better things. “I knew coming in that the program had great athletes so I am not surprised [by our success],” said Smith Gilbert. “I expect to be able to perform well at regionals and send people to nationals, but the real goal for us is to be top-10 on a national level. The team knows that is the direction we are headed. Last year was a step forward, and I am praising all steps forward, but we have big goals and we are challenging ourselves to be really great.” Looking to the 2010 season, with much of the talent back from a season ago, Smith Gilbert’s expectations are high for her team. Among the talented returners for UCF are seniors LaKendra Thames (Winter Garden, Fla.) and Tiki James (Miami, Fla.), who both went to the NCAA Outdoor Championships as juniors. James, in her first season after transferring to UCF, was an NCAA Indoor AllAmerican in the 60-meter hurdles and finished in second and 12th respectively, in the 100-meter hurdles at regionals and nationals.
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“Tiki James was very consistent for us last year,” Smith Gilbert said. “She has developed into a positive role model and is a team captain right now. Her performances are solid and consistent. She just has to make the next step towards reaching her goals.” Thames came on strong at the end of last season to qualify for both regionals and nationals in the discus. The Orlando area native also qualified for regionals and set the school record in the shot put. Along with the program’s other throwers, Thames will be coached this season by a new member of Smith Gilbert’s staff, Jeff Chakouian. The assistant coach joined the team last summer after spending three previous seasons at Illinois State. “Coach Chakouian is a person of great character,” Smith Gilbert said. “He can talk to anybody and leave them with a positive feeling. He is a great motivator and a great recruiter. He has the ability to simplify complicated tasks so that the athlete can understand them. I think the throwers are having fun. They are strong, and I think we will have some real big performances from the throwers.” Chakouian will have other talented throwers to work with in returners Jessica Francis and Ashley Kirkpatrick and newcomer Taylor Bartolotta. A talented crop of sophomores return after impressive freshmen campaigns.
Jackie Coward (Knoxville, Tenn.) burst onto the scene in the indoor season, finishing in seventh place nationally in the 60-meter hurdles to earn NCAA Indoor All-American honors. She also won the 400-meter hurdles title at the C-USA Outdoor Championships. “Jackie is a major player on our team with the ability to score in several events. Because she was so good out of high school, there is a lot of pressure on her at times, but I think this year she has done a good job of honing in on what is important to her and I think she will really come through for us. The things she was able to do as a freshman were phenomenal.” Fellow sophomores Sheila Paul (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.) and Aisha-Maree Frazier (Marietta, Ga.) also return after stellar freshman campaigns. Paul broke three school and four freshman records. She also won the 60-meter dash event title at the C-USA Indoor Championships and qualified for regionals in both the 100- and 200-meter dash. Frazier battled injuries throughout her first season but still qualified for the regionals in the 400-meter hurdles. Frazier ran the event in 1:00.46 early in the season to earn a spot as one of the Knights’ regional qualifiers. Junior Micaela Wimberly (Miami, Fla.) is the last remaining NCAA regional qualifier on UCF’s current roster and the third
Knight (James, Coward) that qualified in the 100-meter hurdles. Assistant coach Tyangela Sanders has numerous talented runners competing in the middle distance and distance events. Junior Carley Dart and sophomores Kathia and Katrina Skinner have made great strides in the middle distance events while seniors Jamie Rzepecki and Erica Weitz and junior Ocean Cohen will compete in the longer distance events and the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Smith Gilbert also reloaded with incoming talent after last season, which included the addition of impact transfers Champelle Brown (Oakland, Calif.) from Laney Community College and Tomika Story (Jacksonville, Fla.) from Florida A&M. “Champelle Brown should be a major contributor, and, by the end of the season, she should be running very well in the 400 as well as the mile relay,” Smith Gilbert said. “Tomika Story is going to be solid in both the long jump and triple jump for us. She has done a great job in the offseason developing her skills in both events.” Eight student-athletes make up one of the best freshman classes in school history and will join the program for 2010. The diverse group includes sprinters, hurdlers, throwers, middle distance and distance runners as well as jumps. “We are excited about welcoming these young ladies to our program,” Smith
As a junior in 2009, Tiki James emerged as a star for UCF after transferring. An explosive hurdler, James became an indoor All-American in the 60-meter hurdles and also posted a top12 finish in the 100-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. James is primed for an outstanding senior campaign as a Knight.
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WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
Despite being only a freshman, Jackie Coward earned NCAA Indoor All-American honors in the 60-meter hurdles in 2009.
Gilbert said. “The class includes multiple state champions, state finalists and regional champions as well as three transfers who have already proven they can have success at the college level. The staff did an excellent job in the entire recruiting process, and I am thrilled each of these student-athletes chose to be Knights.” With that amount of talent joining the already successful roster, its no wonder the Knights’ goals are lofty. “We want to compete for the title at both the C-USA Indoor and Outdoor Championships and also place in the top-15 at the national championships in both the indoor and outdoor seasons,” Smith Gilbert frankly said of the team’s goals. One reason for excitement around the program is the plethora of action at the UCF Track & Field Complex. The Knights will host three regular season meets, including the Black & Gold Challenge (March 20), the UCF Invitational (March 26-27) and the UCF Twilight (May 6). More importantly, for the first time in its history, the track and field team will host the Conference USA Outdoor Championships from May 13-16. “Getting the opportunity to show off our university, our campus and our facilities as well as compete on our home turf is something that we cherish,” said Smith Gilbert. “We look forward to welcoming the many other talented teams and studentathletes from around our conference to UCF for this event.”
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UCF KNIGHTS
CARYL SMITH GILBERT
Head Coach • Third Season at UCF • UCLA, 1991
Now in her third season at the helm of the UCF track and field and cross country programs, Caryl Smith Gilbert has made it evident that her goal is to build a championship program. The track and field program has risen at an intense rate. In 2009, in just her second season, UCF finished in second place at the C-USA Outdoor Championships and third at the C-USA Indoor Championships, the program’s highest finishes in either championship meet. Under her tutelage, UCF sent a record five athletes to the NCAA Outdoor National Championships in 2009 and finished 35th at the NCAA Indoor Championships. The program also finished in ninth place at the NCAA Outdoor Regionals, its highest all-time finish. The Knights also won the title and set a school record in the shuttle hurdles at the prestigious Penn Relays. The performance also gained the program the ACCUSPLIT/ Nike Relay Award at the end of the season. Individually, three Knights gained NCAA Indoor All-American distinctions in 2009 and four won C-USA individual event titles - two indoor and two outdoor.
In 2008, her first season in charge, it was obvious that Smith Gilbert had the program heading in the right direction. The program finished third at the CUSA Outdoor Championships, broke 23 previous school records, had two C-USA event champions and one NCAA Indoor All-American. In her two seasons at the helm of the program, her athletes have broken 30 of the school’s indoor and outdoor school records. “Caryl Smith Gilbert brought an immediate energy to the track and field program at UCF when she was hired two years ago,” said Director of Athletics Keith Tribble. “The accomplishments of her program in its first two years, not only in C-USA but on a national level, show the belief she instilled in our student-athletes and the positive direction in which she has the program heading.” In August of 2009, Smith Gilbert served as the jumps coach of Team USA at the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany. She has also overseen the building of the UCF Cross Country Complex, giving the program an on-campus course to recruit to, host home meets and train on both in
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and out of season. The cross country team has already seen a positive impact from this, winning four events over the past two seasons. She took the helm of the UCF programs in the summer of 2007, and she brought with her extensive experience at the highest level of collegiate competition and a proven ability to transform her student-athletes into champions. Smith Gilbert came to UCF after five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee, where she was responsible for coaching sprints, hurdles and jumps. During her tenure with the Lady Vols, her athletes won three NCAA titles and seven Southeastern Conference championships and earned 53 NCAA Division I All-America honors. They also established 19 school records. In 2005, Smith Gilbert was named U.S. Track Coaches Association National and Mideast Region Assistant Coach of the Year for sprints and hurdles. Smith Gilbert was responsible for the development of Dee Dee Trotter, the 2007 USA Indoor and Outdoor Champion and a 2004 gold medalist in the 4x400-meter relay. She ranked among the top six in the world each of the past four years. She also coached Tianna Madison to the 2005 world championship in the long jump. With a number of Smith Gilbert’s athletes playing pivotal roles, the Lady Vols won the school’s first NCAA Indoor
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
THE SMITH GILBERT FILE Name: Caryl Smith Gilbert • Hometown: Denver, Colo. High School: George Washington HS • College: UCLA, 1991
Coaching Timeline • George Washington HS: Head Coach, 1994-97 • Penn State: Assistant Coach, 1997-99 • Alabama: Assistant Coach, 1999-02 • Tennessee: Assistant Coach, 2002-07 • UCF: Head Coach, 2007-present
Championship in 2005. That year, her group combined for 24 All-America honors and seven school records. As a member of the Lady Vols’ staff, Smith Gilbert was instrumental in the development of several world-class athletes. Cleo Tyson won the 100-meter dash and helped the U.S. 4x100 relay team earn gold at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Championships. She also mentored Toyin Olupona, the 2005 Canadian National Champion in the 100-meter dash and the two-time NCAA runner-up in the 60-meter dash. In addition to contributing to UT’s NCAA Indoor title in 2005, Smith Gilbert’s charges helped the Lady Vols win SEC Indoor Championships in 2005 and 2007 and an NCAA Mideast Regional outdoor crown in 2005. The Lady Vols also posted top-four finishes at the 2004, 2005 and 2007 NCAA Indoor Championships. Prior to her appointment at Tennessee in 2002, Smith Gilbert was an assistant coach at the University of Alabama, where she spent three years guiding athletes in the sprints, hurdles and jumps. During her tenure with the Crimson Tide, she produced seven NCAA Division I All-Americans and four USA Olympic Trials qualifiers. Smith Gilbert previously held similar responsibilities as an assistant at Penn State from 1997-99. While in Happy Valley, her results included athletes who accumulated four All-America honors and nine
UCF Coaching Highlights • Named the 2009 South Region Coach of the Year. • One of only four women’s coaches honored with a ACCUSPLIT/Nike relay award. • Led program to highest finish at NCAA Outdoor Regional (ninth place in 2009). • Team also finished second at 2009 C-USA Outdoor Championships and third at the 2009 C-USA Indoor Championships, both its highest finishes ever. • Sent school-record five athletes to 2009 NCAA Outdoor National Championships. • Guided program’s first four NCAA Indoor AllAmericans (one in 2008 and three in 2009). • Coached six C-USA Indoor and Outdoor event champions, the program’s first all-time. • Athletes have broken 30 indoor and outdoor school records in 2008 and 2009 combined. • Shuttle hurdle relay team won title at Penn Relays.
school records, and made the finals at the Big Ten Championships on 10 occasions. She also served the school as an instructor for the exercise science department. Prior to becoming a collegiate coach, Smith Gilbert was the head coach from 1994-97 at her prep alma mater, George Washington High School in Denver. During her tenure, her program produced two state titles and three All-America selections. Under her tutelage, five of her athletes accepted full scholarships to NCAA Division I schools. In addition to her experience at the high school and collegiate levels, Smith Gilbert was an assistant with Team USA during the NACAC Championships and was invited to coach the sprints at the 2005 Pan Am Junior Championships. She also was selected as an assistant coach for the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. A former indoor national record holder in the 55- and 60-meter dashes, Smith Gilbert was a twotime Colorado state champion in the 200-meter dash and long jump and a three-time state champion in the 100-meter dash as
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Other Coaching Highlights • Coached the jumps at the 2009 U.S. World Outdoor Championship Team. • Also named an assistant coach for the 2007 U.S. World Outdoor Championship Team. • 2005 USTCA National and Mideast Region Assistant Coach of the Year for Sprints and Hurdles. • Assisted Tennessee to the 2005 NCAA Indoor National Championship. • Helped Tennessee to the SEC Indoor Championships in 2005 and 2007. • Coached nine All-Americans who earned 57 awards and two athletes who won four national championships at Tennessee. • Under her tutelage, Tennessee posted four top-four finishes at the 2004, 2005 and 2007 NCAA Championships.
a prep standout. She set state records in each of those three events and went on to become a three-time All-American at UCLA, where she was a Pacific 10 Conference champion in the 100-meter dash, 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay. She was part of an NCAA Championship runner-up 4x400-meter squad and was an All-American in the 4x100-meter relay in 1988 and 1989. A 1991 graduate of UCLA, Smith Gilbert holds a bachelor’s degree in film and television production. She also holds master’s degrees in sport management and sport psychology from Tennessee. She is a 2006 USATF Level III Coaches Education Clinician. She is married to former NFL linebacker Greg Gilbert. Their family includes sons Alex, Ahmad and Osiris.
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UCF KNIGHTS
TYANGELA SANDERS Assistant Coach/Cross Country Coach • Middle & Long Distance/Long Hurdlers Second Season at UCF • Tennessee, 2003
Tyangela Sanders begins her second season with the UCF track and field team after being hired by head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert in July of 2008. Her role at UCF includes serving as the coach of the cross country program. She handles the cross country program on a day-to-day basis, running practices and instructing the athletes. During track season, Sanders primarily works with the long and middle distance runners and long hurdlers. She also serves as the program’s academic liason and community service coordinator. Sanders also assists with recruiting. In 2009, she coached sophomore Jackie Coward to the Conference USA 400-meter hurdles championship. Coward, sophomore Aisha-Maree Frazier and senior Shantile Blackburn also advanced to the NCAA outdoor regionals under Sanders’ guidance. “Tyangela brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. She has helped our program grow in numerous areas,” said Smith Gilbert. “Her experience at a high level helps our team as we strive
to be one of the nation’s elite programs.” On the cross country side, Sanders has helped the program transition onto a new on-campus course and host four meets over her two seasons. She has also led the team to four team meet titles, including three at the UCF Cross Country Complex. Working with the cross country program, she also serves as the team’s meet coordinator. In her eight years of coaching prior to joining Smith Gilbert’s staff at UCF, Sanders coached five individual national champions, six All-Americans, 17 national finalists and 10 state champion performers. Twenty-four athletes under Sanders were state finalists while nine claimed state champion event titles. Prior to joining the Knights’ staff, Sanders worked as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Knoxville (Tenn.) West High School from 2004-08. Knoxville West claimed one state championship while Sanders was on the staff. Coward, a fourtime national champion, competed at Knoxville West under Sanders. While working at the high school level, Sanders served four years as the executive director and head coach of Track Knoxville
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
from 2004-08. Sanders helped create the club level program and worked with athletes in the sprints, hurdles and relays. She also coached Thomas Oatts, a 2006 Nike All-America honoree in the hurdles, who is currently attending Georgia Tech. Oatts also won state championships in the 300-meter hurdles and as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team. Oatts was a Great Southwest finalist in the 300-meter hurdles and was ranked tenth nationally in the 400-meter hurdles in 2006. Starting in 1999, Sanders began her coaching career at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee, where she served as a recruiting assistant. Sanders was a standout student-athlete at Tennessee. In 1999, she garnered All-America honors in the 4x400-meter relay after finishing sixth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. That same season, she received All-Southeastern Conference recognition following the league’s indoor and outdoor meets. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice in 2003. As a prep standout at Knoxville West, Sanders was a three-time Tennessee High School Athletics Association state champion. Sanders resides in Orlando with her son, Takaree Marsh.
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
JEFF CHAKOUIAN Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator • Throws First Season at UCF • Kentucky, 2005
Jeff Chakouian was hired as an assistant coach with the UCF track & field program on July 6, 2009, and is in his first season. Chakouian spent the previous three seasons at Illinois State University and will be responsible for working with the throwers at UCF. He also serves as both the recruiting coordinator and the camps coordinator. During his three-year tenure at Illinois State, Chakouian coached a pair of Missouri Valley Conference champions as well as 10 NCAA Division I Outdoor Regional participants and 13 all-conference performers. Prior to his stint at Illinois State, Chakouian served as a volunteer assistant coach at both Kentucky and Brown. While at Kentucky in 2006, he helped coach one Southeastern Conference champion and four all-conference standouts. Serving in
the same position at Brown from August 2005-March 2006, he coached one Ivy League champion and two all-conference performers. Chakouian amassed an impressive resume of national and international competitive experience. A native of Seekonk, Mass., Chakouian was a six-time All-American in the shot put while a member of the track and field team at Kentucky. Chakouian, who received his undergraduate degree in education kinesiology and health promotions from Kentucky in May 2005, was a five-time SEC champion, an eighttime All-SEC selection in the shot put and was a team captain for three seasons. Chakouian has competed in numerous international competitions in over a dozen countries. He finished fifth at the Junior World Championships (Santiago, Chile) in 2000 and first at the Junior Pan American Games (Sante Fe, Argentina) in 2001 while also being ranked No. 6 on the Jr. World
Shot Put List. A product of Seekonk High School, Chakouian was a junior national champion in both the shot put and discus in 2001 and was elected team captain of the USA versus Great Britain Junior World Tour. In 2006, Chakouian placed fifth at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.
LATONYA LOCHE
Graduate Assistant Coach • Second Season at UCF • Tennessee, 2008 LaTonya Loche enters her second season as a graduate assis-
tant coach at UCF. Loche came to UCF after finishing a stellar career at Tennessee in 2008. While a student-athlete on the UT track and field team, Loche put herself in the record books on numerous occasions. She left as
a 12-time All-American and four of the relay teams she participated on were school record holders upon her graduation. Loche was born and raised in Bastrop, La., where she was a three-year member of the track and field team at Bastrop High School. While in high school, she claimed six individual Louisiana 4A state titles, including three in the 100-meter dash. She graduated from Tennessee in
DANIEL SACKIE-MENSAH
NICOLE VIDAL
Student Manager
Daniel Sackie-Mensah is a junior in his first season working with the track and field team at UCF. He is a Palm Beach, Fla., native who graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High School. The criminal justice/legal studies major played football in high school.
2008 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice. Loche is currently pursuing her master’s degree in criminal justice from UCF.
Student Manger
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Nicole Vidal is in her second season working with the UCF track and field team. The sophomore from Miami, Fla., is majoring in physical therapy. She attended Hialeah Miami Lakes High School where she played volleyball, soccer and badminton.
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UCF KNIGHTS
ERIC COLEMAN
LAUREN DONNELY
Asst. Director - Academic Services
Eric Coleman is in his second year at UCF after spending one year at Akron. He serves as the advisor for track and field, cross country and softball. Coleman earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2001. He was also a co-captain of the football team.
Graduate Asst. - Athletic Training
Lauren Donnelly is in her second season as a graduate assistant at UCF and first with the track and field program. The native of Cape Coral, Fla., graduated in 2008 from Florida Gulf Coast, where she was the president and founder of the FGCU Sports Medicine Club. She is pursuing her master’s degree in the sports and fitness.
BJ FAULK
BENJAMIN FLEMING
Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
BJ Faulk is in sixth year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UCF. He works with the throwers on the track and field team. Faulk, a 1995 graduate of Illinois State, has worked previously at his alma mater and at Wake Forest. He was a member of the track and field team for two years.
Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
Benjamin Fleming is in his second year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UCF, working with the distance runners. Fleming graduated from Wingate University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation. While at Wingate, he was a four-year letterman on the men’s soccer team.
ANDREW GAVIN
RYAN MCPHAIL
Asst. Director Athletics Communications
played basketball.
Andrew Gavin is in his second season at UCF. Prior to working at UCF, he was the assistant sports information director at USC Aiken. He graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from Centre College, where he also
Asst. Equipment Director
Ryan McPhail is currently in his second season at UCF after serving as a student and graduate assistant at Memphis. While at Memphis, McPhail worked primarily with the football and softball teams. McPhail earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2007 and his master’s in 2008.
LISA MOSER
JESSICA REO
Learning Specialist - Academic Services
Lisa Moser is in her second season as a learning specialist in Academic Services for Student-Athletes. Moser came to UCF after spending two years at Oklahoma. Moser earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fresno State in 2005, where she was also on the equestrian team.
Senior Assoc. AD/Track Administrator
Jessica Reo was promoted to senior associate athletics director for student services in 2008. Along with other sports, she serves as the administrator for track and field. Prior to coming to UCF, she spent seven years at Miami. Reo graduated from Florida State with an english degree in 1993.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
ED WOODLEY
Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
Scott Sinclair is in his sixth year at UCF and works with the track and field team’s sprinters, jumps and hurdlers. He earned his master’s degree in physical education from UCF in 2006. Sinclair came to UCF after a two-year stint at Georgia Tech. He graduated from Guilford College, where he played baseball and football, in 1999.
Asst. Athletic Trainer
Ed Woodley is in his second year at UCF after serving the previous two years as a graduate assistant at Southern Miss. Woodley was also an intern with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008. He earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2004. Woodley worked a semester with the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
TIME TO DELIVER In two seasons under head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, the UCF track and field program has already proven it is on the rise. The numbers prove just that - 30 school records broken, four NCAA All-Americans, six Conference USA event champions, 10 NCAA Outdoor regional participants and the highest finishes in both the C-USA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Even more than the numbers and records, the attitude around the program signals that Smith Gilbert has the Knights on the verge of greatness. While the third-year coach praises her student-athletes for the recent accomplishments, she also makes it clear that UCF is destined for more. UCF has made great strides in C-USA and a splash on the national scene, but Smith Gilbert is striving for championships and a consistent presence as one of the nation’s elite programs. For UCF, the time is now to deliver on those goals.
2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD TIME TO DELIVER
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UCF KNIGHTS
SENIORS
N E M H S E R F
THIS IS UCF TRACK & FIELD NAME Santrell Atkins Taylor Bartolotta Dan’Elle Bellamy Ashley Bolling Champelle Brown Sheree Carter Ocean Cohen Jackie Coward Carley Dart April Downey Jessica Francis Alyssa Franks Aisha-Maree Frazier Mason Gardberg Jacquelyn Gilchrist Tiki James Jaclyn Johnson Ashley Kirkpatrick Lynne Layne Amanda Leland Brittany McCord Sheila Paul Eva Pierce Jackie Potter Jamie Rzepecki Samantha Shields Kathia Skinner Katrina Skinner Tomika Story LaKendra Thames Erica Weitz Sonnisha Williams Micaela Wimberly
EVENT(S) Sprints/Hurdles Throws Sprints Sprints/Hurdles Sprints Multi’s Distance Sprints/Hurdles Middle Distance/Distance Throws Throws Distance Sprints/Hurdles/MD Distance Jumps Hurdles/Sprints Middle Distance Throws Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles Sprints Sprints Sprints Middle Distance Pole Vault Distance Multi’s Middle Distance/Distance Middle Distance/Distance Sprints/Jumps Throws Distance Sprints/Jumps Hurdles/Sprints
CLASS HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Fr. Miramar, Fla. (Everglades HS) Fr. Middletown, Conn. (Middletown HS) Jr. Sanford, Fla. (Winter Springs HS) So. Jacksonville, Fla. (Samuel W. Wolfson HS) Jr. Oakland, Calif. (Laney CC/Fairfield HS) Sr. Tallahassee, Fla. (Godby HS) Jr. Sarasota, Fla. (Riverview HS) So. Knoxville, Tenn. (West HS) Jr. Whitby, Ontario, Canada (Father Leo J. Austin HS) So. Melbourne, Fla. (Melbourne Central Catholic HS) Sr. Orlando, Fla. (Boone HS) Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Wharton HS) So. Marietta, Ga. (Marietta HS) Fr. Englewood, Fla. (Lemon Bay HS) So. Tallahassee, Fla. (Paxon School) Sr. Miami, Fla. (Miami/Miami Northwestern HS) Jr. Valrico, Fla. (Bloomingdale HS) Sr. Longwood, Fla. (Lake Mary HS) Jr. New Rochelle, N.Y. (Tennessee) Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Chamberlain HS) Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS) So. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (Boyd H. Anderson HS) Fr. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (Boyd H. Anderson HS) Jr. Palm Bay, Fla. (Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy) Sr. East Aurora, N.Y. (East Aurora HS) Jr. Orlando, Fla. (Trinity Prep) So. Tampa, Fla. (Wharton HS) So. Tampa, Fla. (Wharton HS) So. Jacksonville, Fla. (Florida A&M) Sr. Winter Garden, Fla. (West Orange HS) Sr. Morganville, N.J. (Marlboro HS) Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Raines HS) Jr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS)
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
KNIGHTS BY...
Class Freshmen.............................8 Sophomores.........................9 Juniors..................................9 Seniors.................................7 State/Province California..............................1 Connecticut..........................1 Florida................................25 Georgia.................................1 New Jersey...........................1 New York..............................2 Canada.................................1 Tennessee............................1 Event Sprints................................14 Hurdles.................................6 Jumps...................................4 Multi......................................2 Mid-Distance........................6 Distance...............................7 Throws..................................5 Pole Vault.............................1
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
JUNIORS
S E R O M O SOPH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK FACTS
This is UCF Track & Field Program Intro................................................................................................1 2010 Roster...................................................................................................2 Quick Facts/Table of Contents......................................................................3 UCF Track & Field Complex.......................................................................4-5 2010 Season Outlook.................................................................................6-7 Head Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert................................................................8-9 Assistant Coach Tyangela Sanders.............................................................10 Assistant Coach Jeff Chakouian.................................................................. 11 Support Staff...........................................................................................11-12 Meet the Knights Athletes..................................................................................................13-27 History.........................................................................................................28 All-Americans/Conference USA History......................................................29 Record Book...........................................................................................30-31 Review.........................................................................................................32 Season in Review........................................................................................33 2009 Top Indoor Times/Marks.....................................................................34 2009 Top Outdoor Times/Marks..................................................................35 UCF Information This is UCF.............................................................................................36-37 Campus Life................................................................................................38 Towers at Knights Plaza..............................................................................39 President Dr. John C. Hitt............................................................................40 Director of Athletics Keith R. Tribble............................................................41 Academic Excellence..................................................................................42 Excellence Off the Track..............................................................................43 Athletics Facilities........................................................................................44 Strength & Conditioning/Sports Medicine....................................................45 Welcome to Orlando....................................................................................46 Orlando Sporting Options............................................................................47 Conference USA..........................................................................................48
UCF Information Location..........................................................................Orlando, Fla. 32816 Founded................................................................................................ 1963 Enrollment.......................................................................................... 53,537 Nickname.......................................................................................... Knights Colors........................................................................................Black & Gold Home Facility.....................................................UCF Track & Field Complex Conference..........................................................................Conference USA President...............................................................................Dr. John C. Hitt Director of Athletics...............................................................Keith R. Tribble Senior Associate AD/SWA..........................................................Jessica Reo Faculty Representative...............................................Dr. Conseulo Stebbins Athletics Main Phone............................................................. (407) 823-4114 Team Information Head Coach (Alma Mater)........................ Caryl Smith Gilbert (UCLA, 1991) Asst. Coach (Alma Mater)................. Tyangela Sanders (Tennessee, 2003) Asst. Coach (Alma Mater)......................... Jeff Chakouian (Kentucky, 2005) Track Office Phone................................................................(407) 823-0096 Support Staff Communications Contact........................................................Andrew Gavin Office Phone..........................................................................(407) 823-2464 Cell Phone.............................................................................(407) 405-5821 E-mail.................................................................... [email protected] Athletic Trainer........................................................................... Ed Woodley CREDITS: The 2010 track and field yearbook was written and edited by Andrew Gavin and Sarah Tarasewicz. Editorial assistance by Joe Hornstein, Leigh Torbin, Doug Richards and Brian Ormiston. Cover designs by Andrew Gavin. Photography courtesy of Sideline Sports and Casey Brooke Lawson. Orlando photographs provided by the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center and Visitors’ Bureau. Printed by DME, located in Daytona Beach, Fla.
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UCF TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX HOME OF THE 2010 CONFERENCE USA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS MAY 13-16, 2010
UCF TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX Built in 1991, the UCF Track & Field Complex serves as the home to all home track and field meets as well as men’s and women’s soccer games. The Knights also use the facility as the site of all of their practices. The complex features an eight-lane, 400-meter track that was resurfaced during the summer of 2004. The facility includes throwing areas for the hammer, discus and shot put, as well as recently improved long and triple jump pits. The complex features bleacher seating with a capacity for 500 fans and numerous other spectator areas. In 2006, the bleachers were upgraded to feature more comfortable chairback seating. The facility plays host to an evening meet, the UCF Twilight, and beginning in 2009 the Black & Gold Challenge and the UCF Invitational were held at the complex. In 2010, the facility and UCF’s pristine campus will serve as the backdrop to the Conference USA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Plans for renovation are in place for the complex and are set to get underway in the summer of 2010. The renderings at right display plans to include a new section of bleachers which will provide expanded seating, a press box and a building to house concessions and restroom facilities. The UCF Track & Field Complex is nestled between the 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium and the 10,000-seat UCF Arena, which both opened in 2007 and house the Knights’ football and basketball programs, respectively. The Towers at Knights Plaza give student-athletes the opportunity for apartment-style living adjacent to their playing field as well as providing 100,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants. 4
2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
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UCF KNIGHTS
AWARD-WINNING RETURNERS, ACCLAIMED NEWCOMERS KNOW TIME IS NOW TO DELIVER In her first two seasons at the helm of the UCF track and field program, head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert has left no doubt that she plans to run a program built to compete for championships, not only in Conference USA but also on a national level. If you look at the laundry list of accomplishments, records and awards by her athletes, her team and even by Smith Gilbert herself, it is clear the program is on its way to being just that - a champion. “The program has made tremendous strides,” said Smith Gilbert. “We are a very well-rounded program coming into this year with people that have the potential to produce in all event areas. Overall, academically and athletically, I feel that we are becoming complete.” In 2009, the Knights had three NCAA Indoor All-Americans and finished third in the C-USA Indoor Championships. They followed that up with a remarkable outdoor season, culminating in sending five athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. In between, UCF broke 14 outdoor school records, finished ninth at the NCAA East Regionals and claimed a programbest second place at the C-USA Outdoor Championships. All of that success in only Smith Gil-
Senior LaKendra Thames advanced to the NCAA Regionals in 2009.
Head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, the 2009 South Region Coach of the Year, watched as longtime Knight Dione Thomas both figuratively and literally passed the baton to talented freshmen like Sheila Paul last season. Now a sophomore, Paul will look to improve on a freshman campaign which saw her claim a C-USA individual event title and break three school records.
bert’s second year as head coach was recognized, and Smith Gilbert was as well when she was named the 2009 South Region Coach of the Year. She is not surprised by the team’s accomplishments and is proud of the program’s progress, but says that they are looking to deliver bigger and better things. “I knew coming in that the program had great athletes so I am not surprised [by our success],” said Smith Gilbert. “I expect to be able to perform well at regionals and send people to nationals, but the real goal for us is to be top-10 on a national level. The team knows that is the direction we are headed. Last year was a step forward, and I am praising all steps forward, but we have big goals and we are challenging ourselves to be really great.” Looking to the 2010 season, with much of the talent back from a season ago, Smith Gilbert’s expectations are high for her team. Among the talented returners for UCF are seniors LaKendra Thames (Winter Garden, Fla.) and Tiki James (Miami, Fla.), who both went to the NCAA Outdoor Championships as juniors. James, in her first season after transferring to UCF, was an NCAA Indoor AllAmerican in the 60-meter hurdles and finished in second and 12th respectively, in the 100-meter hurdles at regionals and nationals.
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“Tiki James was very consistent for us last year,” Smith Gilbert said. “She has developed into a positive role model and is a team captain right now. Her performances are solid and consistent. She just has to make the next step towards reaching her goals.” Thames came on strong at the end of last season to qualify for both regionals and nationals in the discus. The Orlando area native also qualified for regionals and set the school record in the shot put. Along with the program’s other throwers, Thames will be coached this season by a new member of Smith Gilbert’s staff, Jeff Chakouian. The assistant coach joined the team last summer after spending three previous seasons at Illinois State. “Coach Chakouian is a person of great character,” Smith Gilbert said. “He can talk to anybody and leave them with a positive feeling. He is a great motivator and a great recruiter. He has the ability to simplify complicated tasks so that the athlete can understand them. I think the throwers are having fun. They are strong, and I think we will have some real big performances from the throwers.” Chakouian will have other talented throwers to work with in returners Jessica Francis and Ashley Kirkpatrick and newcomer Taylor Bartolotta. A talented crop of sophomores return after impressive freshmen campaigns.
Jackie Coward (Knoxville, Tenn.) burst onto the scene in the indoor season, finishing in seventh place nationally in the 60-meter hurdles to earn NCAA Indoor All-American honors. She also won the 400-meter hurdles title at the C-USA Outdoor Championships. “Jackie is a major player on our team with the ability to score in several events. Because she was so good out of high school, there is a lot of pressure on her at times, but I think this year she has done a good job of honing in on what is important to her and I think she will really come through for us. The things she was able to do as a freshman were phenomenal.” Fellow sophomores Sheila Paul (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.) and Aisha-Maree Frazier (Marietta, Ga.) also return after stellar freshman campaigns. Paul broke three school and four freshman records. She also won the 60-meter dash event title at the C-USA Indoor Championships and qualified for regionals in both the 100- and 200-meter dash. Frazier battled injuries throughout her first season but still qualified for the regionals in the 400-meter hurdles. Frazier ran the event in 1:00.46 early in the season to earn a spot as one of the Knights’ regional qualifiers. Junior Micaela Wimberly (Miami, Fla.) is the last remaining NCAA regional qualifier on UCF’s current roster and the third
Knight (James, Coward) that qualified in the 100-meter hurdles. Assistant coach Tyangela Sanders has numerous talented runners competing in the middle distance and distance events. Junior Carley Dart and sophomores Kathia and Katrina Skinner have made great strides in the middle distance events while seniors Jamie Rzepecki and Erica Weitz and junior Ocean Cohen will compete in the longer distance events and the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Smith Gilbert also reloaded with incoming talent after last season, which included the addition of impact transfers Champelle Brown (Oakland, Calif.) from Laney Community College and Tomika Story (Jacksonville, Fla.) from Florida A&M. “Champelle Brown should be a major contributor, and, by the end of the season, she should be running very well in the 400 as well as the mile relay,” Smith Gilbert said. “Tomika Story is going to be solid in both the long jump and triple jump for us. She has done a great job in the offseason developing her skills in both events.” Eight student-athletes make up one of the best freshman classes in school history and will join the program for 2010. The diverse group includes sprinters, hurdlers, throwers, middle distance and distance runners as well as jumps. “We are excited about welcoming these young ladies to our program,” Smith
As a junior in 2009, Tiki James emerged as a star for UCF after transferring. An explosive hurdler, James became an indoor All-American in the 60-meter hurdles and also posted a top12 finish in the 100-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. James is primed for an outstanding senior campaign as a Knight.
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WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
Despite being only a freshman, Jackie Coward earned NCAA Indoor All-American honors in the 60-meter hurdles in 2009.
Gilbert said. “The class includes multiple state champions, state finalists and regional champions as well as three transfers who have already proven they can have success at the college level. The staff did an excellent job in the entire recruiting process, and I am thrilled each of these student-athletes chose to be Knights.” With that amount of talent joining the already successful roster, its no wonder the Knights’ goals are lofty. “We want to compete for the title at both the C-USA Indoor and Outdoor Championships and also place in the top-15 at the national championships in both the indoor and outdoor seasons,” Smith Gilbert frankly said of the team’s goals. One reason for excitement around the program is the plethora of action at the UCF Track & Field Complex. The Knights will host three regular season meets, including the Black & Gold Challenge (March 20), the UCF Invitational (March 26-27) and the UCF Twilight (May 6). More importantly, for the first time in its history, the track and field team will host the Conference USA Outdoor Championships from May 13-16. “Getting the opportunity to show off our university, our campus and our facilities as well as compete on our home turf is something that we cherish,” said Smith Gilbert. “We look forward to welcoming the many other talented teams and studentathletes from around our conference to UCF for this event.”
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UCF KNIGHTS
CARYL SMITH GILBERT
Head Coach • Third Season at UCF • UCLA, 1991
Now in her third season at the helm of the UCF track and field and cross country programs, Caryl Smith Gilbert has made it evident that her goal is to build a championship program. The track and field program has risen at an intense rate. In 2009, in just her second season, UCF finished in second place at the C-USA Outdoor Championships and third at the C-USA Indoor Championships, the program’s highest finishes in either championship meet. Under her tutelage, UCF sent a record five athletes to the NCAA Outdoor National Championships in 2009 and finished 35th at the NCAA Indoor Championships. The program also finished in ninth place at the NCAA Outdoor Regionals, its highest all-time finish. The Knights also won the title and set a school record in the shuttle hurdles at the prestigious Penn Relays. The performance also gained the program the ACCUSPLIT/ Nike Relay Award at the end of the season. Individually, three Knights gained NCAA Indoor All-American distinctions in 2009 and four won C-USA individual event titles - two indoor and two outdoor.
In 2008, her first season in charge, it was obvious that Smith Gilbert had the program heading in the right direction. The program finished third at the CUSA Outdoor Championships, broke 23 previous school records, had two C-USA event champions and one NCAA Indoor All-American. In her two seasons at the helm of the program, her athletes have broken 30 of the school’s indoor and outdoor school records. “Caryl Smith Gilbert brought an immediate energy to the track and field program at UCF when she was hired two years ago,” said Director of Athletics Keith Tribble. “The accomplishments of her program in its first two years, not only in C-USA but on a national level, show the belief she instilled in our student-athletes and the positive direction in which she has the program heading.” In August of 2009, Smith Gilbert served as the jumps coach of Team USA at the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany. She has also overseen the building of the UCF Cross Country Complex, giving the program an on-campus course to recruit to, host home meets and train on both in
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
and out of season. The cross country team has already seen a positive impact from this, winning four events over the past two seasons. She took the helm of the UCF programs in the summer of 2007, and she brought with her extensive experience at the highest level of collegiate competition and a proven ability to transform her student-athletes into champions. Smith Gilbert came to UCF after five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee, where she was responsible for coaching sprints, hurdles and jumps. During her tenure with the Lady Vols, her athletes won three NCAA titles and seven Southeastern Conference championships and earned 53 NCAA Division I All-America honors. They also established 19 school records. In 2005, Smith Gilbert was named U.S. Track Coaches Association National and Mideast Region Assistant Coach of the Year for sprints and hurdles. Smith Gilbert was responsible for the development of Dee Dee Trotter, the 2007 USA Indoor and Outdoor Champion and a 2004 gold medalist in the 4x400-meter relay. She ranked among the top six in the world each of the past four years. She also coached Tianna Madison to the 2005 world championship in the long jump. With a number of Smith Gilbert’s athletes playing pivotal roles, the Lady Vols won the school’s first NCAA Indoor
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
THE SMITH GILBERT FILE Name: Caryl Smith Gilbert • Hometown: Denver, Colo. High School: George Washington HS • College: UCLA, 1991
Coaching Timeline • George Washington HS: Head Coach, 1994-97 • Penn State: Assistant Coach, 1997-99 • Alabama: Assistant Coach, 1999-02 • Tennessee: Assistant Coach, 2002-07 • UCF: Head Coach, 2007-present
Championship in 2005. That year, her group combined for 24 All-America honors and seven school records. As a member of the Lady Vols’ staff, Smith Gilbert was instrumental in the development of several world-class athletes. Cleo Tyson won the 100-meter dash and helped the U.S. 4x100 relay team earn gold at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Championships. She also mentored Toyin Olupona, the 2005 Canadian National Champion in the 100-meter dash and the two-time NCAA runner-up in the 60-meter dash. In addition to contributing to UT’s NCAA Indoor title in 2005, Smith Gilbert’s charges helped the Lady Vols win SEC Indoor Championships in 2005 and 2007 and an NCAA Mideast Regional outdoor crown in 2005. The Lady Vols also posted top-four finishes at the 2004, 2005 and 2007 NCAA Indoor Championships. Prior to her appointment at Tennessee in 2002, Smith Gilbert was an assistant coach at the University of Alabama, where she spent three years guiding athletes in the sprints, hurdles and jumps. During her tenure with the Crimson Tide, she produced seven NCAA Division I All-Americans and four USA Olympic Trials qualifiers. Smith Gilbert previously held similar responsibilities as an assistant at Penn State from 1997-99. While in Happy Valley, her results included athletes who accumulated four All-America honors and nine
UCF Coaching Highlights • Named the 2009 South Region Coach of the Year. • One of only four women’s coaches honored with a ACCUSPLIT/Nike relay award. • Led program to highest finish at NCAA Outdoor Regional (ninth place in 2009). • Team also finished second at 2009 C-USA Outdoor Championships and third at the 2009 C-USA Indoor Championships, both its highest finishes ever. • Sent school-record five athletes to 2009 NCAA Outdoor National Championships. • Guided program’s first four NCAA Indoor AllAmericans (one in 2008 and three in 2009). • Coached six C-USA Indoor and Outdoor event champions, the program’s first all-time. • Athletes have broken 30 indoor and outdoor school records in 2008 and 2009 combined. • Shuttle hurdle relay team won title at Penn Relays.
school records, and made the finals at the Big Ten Championships on 10 occasions. She also served the school as an instructor for the exercise science department. Prior to becoming a collegiate coach, Smith Gilbert was the head coach from 1994-97 at her prep alma mater, George Washington High School in Denver. During her tenure, her program produced two state titles and three All-America selections. Under her tutelage, five of her athletes accepted full scholarships to NCAA Division I schools. In addition to her experience at the high school and collegiate levels, Smith Gilbert was an assistant with Team USA during the NACAC Championships and was invited to coach the sprints at the 2005 Pan Am Junior Championships. She also was selected as an assistant coach for the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. A former indoor national record holder in the 55- and 60-meter dashes, Smith Gilbert was a twotime Colorado state champion in the 200-meter dash and long jump and a three-time state champion in the 100-meter dash as
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Other Coaching Highlights • Coached the jumps at the 2009 U.S. World Outdoor Championship Team. • Also named an assistant coach for the 2007 U.S. World Outdoor Championship Team. • 2005 USTCA National and Mideast Region Assistant Coach of the Year for Sprints and Hurdles. • Assisted Tennessee to the 2005 NCAA Indoor National Championship. • Helped Tennessee to the SEC Indoor Championships in 2005 and 2007. • Coached nine All-Americans who earned 57 awards and two athletes who won four national championships at Tennessee. • Under her tutelage, Tennessee posted four top-four finishes at the 2004, 2005 and 2007 NCAA Championships.
a prep standout. She set state records in each of those three events and went on to become a three-time All-American at UCLA, where she was a Pacific 10 Conference champion in the 100-meter dash, 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay. She was part of an NCAA Championship runner-up 4x400-meter squad and was an All-American in the 4x100-meter relay in 1988 and 1989. A 1991 graduate of UCLA, Smith Gilbert holds a bachelor’s degree in film and television production. She also holds master’s degrees in sport management and sport psychology from Tennessee. She is a 2006 USATF Level III Coaches Education Clinician. She is married to former NFL linebacker Greg Gilbert. Their family includes sons Alex, Ahmad and Osiris.
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UCF KNIGHTS
TYANGELA SANDERS Assistant Coach/Cross Country Coach • Middle & Long Distance/Long Hurdlers Second Season at UCF • Tennessee, 2003
Tyangela Sanders begins her second season with the UCF track and field team after being hired by head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert in July of 2008. Her role at UCF includes serving as the coach of the cross country program. She handles the cross country program on a day-to-day basis, running practices and instructing the athletes. During track season, Sanders primarily works with the long and middle distance runners and long hurdlers. She also serves as the program’s academic liason and community service coordinator. Sanders also assists with recruiting. In 2009, she coached sophomore Jackie Coward to the Conference USA 400-meter hurdles championship. Coward, sophomore Aisha-Maree Frazier and senior Shantile Blackburn also advanced to the NCAA outdoor regionals under Sanders’ guidance. “Tyangela brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. She has helped our program grow in numerous areas,” said Smith Gilbert. “Her experience at a high level helps our team as we strive
to be one of the nation’s elite programs.” On the cross country side, Sanders has helped the program transition onto a new on-campus course and host four meets over her two seasons. She has also led the team to four team meet titles, including three at the UCF Cross Country Complex. Working with the cross country program, she also serves as the team’s meet coordinator. In her eight years of coaching prior to joining Smith Gilbert’s staff at UCF, Sanders coached five individual national champions, six All-Americans, 17 national finalists and 10 state champion performers. Twenty-four athletes under Sanders were state finalists while nine claimed state champion event titles. Prior to joining the Knights’ staff, Sanders worked as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Knoxville (Tenn.) West High School from 2004-08. Knoxville West claimed one state championship while Sanders was on the staff. Coward, a fourtime national champion, competed at Knoxville West under Sanders. While working at the high school level, Sanders served four years as the executive director and head coach of Track Knoxville
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
from 2004-08. Sanders helped create the club level program and worked with athletes in the sprints, hurdles and relays. She also coached Thomas Oatts, a 2006 Nike All-America honoree in the hurdles, who is currently attending Georgia Tech. Oatts also won state championships in the 300-meter hurdles and as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team. Oatts was a Great Southwest finalist in the 300-meter hurdles and was ranked tenth nationally in the 400-meter hurdles in 2006. Starting in 1999, Sanders began her coaching career at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee, where she served as a recruiting assistant. Sanders was a standout student-athlete at Tennessee. In 1999, she garnered All-America honors in the 4x400-meter relay after finishing sixth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. That same season, she received All-Southeastern Conference recognition following the league’s indoor and outdoor meets. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice in 2003. As a prep standout at Knoxville West, Sanders was a three-time Tennessee High School Athletics Association state champion. Sanders resides in Orlando with her son, Takaree Marsh.
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
JEFF CHAKOUIAN Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator • Throws First Season at UCF • Kentucky, 2005
Jeff Chakouian was hired as an assistant coach with the UCF track & field program on July 6, 2009, and is in his first season. Chakouian spent the previous three seasons at Illinois State University and will be responsible for working with the throwers at UCF. He also serves as both the recruiting coordinator and the camps coordinator. During his three-year tenure at Illinois State, Chakouian coached a pair of Missouri Valley Conference champions as well as 10 NCAA Division I Outdoor Regional participants and 13 all-conference performers. Prior to his stint at Illinois State, Chakouian served as a volunteer assistant coach at both Kentucky and Brown. While at Kentucky in 2006, he helped coach one Southeastern Conference champion and four all-conference standouts. Serving in
the same position at Brown from August 2005-March 2006, he coached one Ivy League champion and two all-conference performers. Chakouian amassed an impressive resume of national and international competitive experience. A native of Seekonk, Mass., Chakouian was a six-time All-American in the shot put while a member of the track and field team at Kentucky. Chakouian, who received his undergraduate degree in education kinesiology and health promotions from Kentucky in May 2005, was a five-time SEC champion, an eighttime All-SEC selection in the shot put and was a team captain for three seasons. Chakouian has competed in numerous international competitions in over a dozen countries. He finished fifth at the Junior World Championships (Santiago, Chile) in 2000 and first at the Junior Pan American Games (Sante Fe, Argentina) in 2001 while also being ranked No. 6 on the Jr. World
Shot Put List. A product of Seekonk High School, Chakouian was a junior national champion in both the shot put and discus in 2001 and was elected team captain of the USA versus Great Britain Junior World Tour. In 2006, Chakouian placed fifth at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.
LATONYA LOCHE
Graduate Assistant Coach • Second Season at UCF • Tennessee, 2008 LaTonya Loche enters her second season as a graduate assis-
tant coach at UCF. Loche came to UCF after finishing a stellar career at Tennessee in 2008. While a student-athlete on the UT track and field team, Loche put herself in the record books on numerous occasions. She left as
a 12-time All-American and four of the relay teams she participated on were school record holders upon her graduation. Loche was born and raised in Bastrop, La., where she was a three-year member of the track and field team at Bastrop High School. While in high school, she claimed six individual Louisiana 4A state titles, including three in the 100-meter dash. She graduated from Tennessee in
DANIEL SACKIE-MENSAH
NICOLE VIDAL
Student Manager
Daniel Sackie-Mensah is a junior in his first season working with the track and field team at UCF. He is a Palm Beach, Fla., native who graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High School. The criminal justice/legal studies major played football in high school.
2008 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice. Loche is currently pursuing her master’s degree in criminal justice from UCF.
Student Manger
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Nicole Vidal is in her second season working with the UCF track and field team. The sophomore from Miami, Fla., is majoring in physical therapy. She attended Hialeah Miami Lakes High School where she played volleyball, soccer and badminton.
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UCF KNIGHTS
ERIC COLEMAN
LAUREN DONNELY
Asst. Director - Academic Services
Eric Coleman is in his second year at UCF after spending one year at Akron. He serves as the advisor for track and field, cross country and softball. Coleman earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2001. He was also a co-captain of the football team.
Graduate Asst. - Athletic Training
Lauren Donnelly is in her second season as a graduate assistant at UCF and first with the track and field program. The native of Cape Coral, Fla., graduated in 2008 from Florida Gulf Coast, where she was the president and founder of the FGCU Sports Medicine Club. She is pursuing her master’s degree in the sports and fitness.
BJ FAULK
BENJAMIN FLEMING
Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
BJ Faulk is in sixth year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UCF. He works with the throwers on the track and field team. Faulk, a 1995 graduate of Illinois State, has worked previously at his alma mater and at Wake Forest. He was a member of the track and field team for two years.
Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
Benjamin Fleming is in his second year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UCF, working with the distance runners. Fleming graduated from Wingate University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation. While at Wingate, he was a four-year letterman on the men’s soccer team.
ANDREW GAVIN
RYAN MCPHAIL
Asst. Director Athletics Communications
played basketball.
Andrew Gavin is in his second season at UCF. Prior to working at UCF, he was the assistant sports information director at USC Aiken. He graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from Centre College, where he also
Asst. Equipment Director
Ryan McPhail is currently in his second season at UCF after serving as a student and graduate assistant at Memphis. While at Memphis, McPhail worked primarily with the football and softball teams. McPhail earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2007 and his master’s in 2008.
LISA MOSER
JESSICA REO
Learning Specialist - Academic Services
Lisa Moser is in her second season as a learning specialist in Academic Services for Student-Athletes. Moser came to UCF after spending two years at Oklahoma. Moser earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fresno State in 2005, where she was also on the equestrian team.
Senior Assoc. AD/Track Administrator
Jessica Reo was promoted to senior associate athletics director for student services in 2008. Along with other sports, she serves as the administrator for track and field. Prior to coming to UCF, she spent seven years at Miami. Reo graduated from Florida State with an english degree in 1993.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
ED WOODLEY
Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
Scott Sinclair is in his sixth year at UCF and works with the track and field team’s sprinters, jumps and hurdlers. He earned his master’s degree in physical education from UCF in 2006. Sinclair came to UCF after a two-year stint at Georgia Tech. He graduated from Guilford College, where he played baseball and football, in 1999.
Asst. Athletic Trainer
Ed Woodley is in his second year at UCF after serving the previous two years as a graduate assistant at Southern Miss. Woodley was also an intern with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008. He earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2004. Woodley worked a semester with the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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2010 UCF TRACK & FIELD
